Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm – Small Group Tour Lyon

Taking a day trip from Lyon to experience France’s most picturesque wine region combined with a stroll through a beautifully preserved medieval town sounds like a perfect escape. This small group tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on 45 reviews, promises a blend of wine tasting, scenic drives, and historical charm—all wrapped in a cozy, personalized experience. The tour is designed for those who appreciate authentic local flavors, stunning landscapes, and a touch of history, all while avoiding the typical large tour bus crowds.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances guided insights with free time to explore. Plus, the inclusion of a family-owned winery visit and tasting really elevates the authenticity. The only consideration? The price of around $161 per person is reasonable, but it does exclude lunch, so plan to budget for a regional meal. This tour suits curious travelers wanting to uncover hidden gems in the Lyon area, especially wine lovers and history buffs who enjoy small-group intimacy and personalized attention.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Max 8 travelers ensures personalized guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Authentic Wine Tastings: 4-5 locally produced wines at a family winery, with insights into the winemaking process.
• Scenic Village Visits: Explore charming medieval towns like Oingt, and Pérouges, with beautiful architecture and panoramic views.
• Historical & Cultural Insights: Learn about the area’s history, from castles to film locations.
• Flexible Free Time: Stroll, shop, or sample local treats during leisure periods.
• Comfortable Transportation: High-quality 8-seater minivan with air conditioning for a smooth ride.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Lyon’s Bellecour Square

The journey kicks off at Bellecour Square, a central hub and an ideal meeting point. Meeting your guide here ensures easy access via public transportation or walking from many city hotels. The guide, fluent in both English and French, sets the tone for the day with warm enthusiasm, making everyone feel comfortable and ready for adventure. The small size of the group (a maximum of 8) means you’ll get a more tailored experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions.

Discovering Châtillon d’Azergues

Just a short drive takes you to Châtillon d’Azergues, a quiet gem surrounded by medieval walls and 13th-century castles. It’s a great warm-up to the day, providing an initial glimpse of the area’s historical architecture without the crowds. Here, the review mentions the beautifully preserved remparts walls, giving a real sense of stepping back in time. The stop is brief, about 10 minutes, but enough to snap some photos and soak in the medieval aura.

The Charms of Oingt

Next, you’ll pass through Chessy Les Mines and Bagnols, towns built from the iconic ochre-colored stones characteristic of the region, adding a warm glow to the scenery. The highlight is Oingt, one of France’s most beautiful villages, ranked among the top 157 nationwide. As you walk along its main street, you’ll notice the harmonious blend of medieval architecture with panoramic views of rolling vineyards and fields. The Saint Mathieu church and surrounding homes exude charm, making it easy to see why visitors find it so captivating.

Travelers rave about this village, with one noting the “stunning landscape” and the “unique golden stone villages.” The quiet, colorful streets and the opportunity to appreciate local craftsmanship or buy handmade souvenirs give this stop a genuine, low-key vibe perfect for relaxed exploration.

Family Winery Visit in Moire

A true highlight for wine lovers is the visit to a family-owned winery in Moire. This is where the experience shifts from sightseeing to tasting and learning. The host, often the winemaker himself, imparts knowledge about “terroir,” traditional methods, and regional specialties. Reviewers mention that the guide adjusts wine options on the fly to accommodate preferences, which adds a thoughtful touch.

Expect a private vineyard inspection, a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, and tastings of white, rosé, and red Beaujolais wines. The friendly, informal setting encourages questions, and many speak about the “excellent wines” they sampled. For those unsure about what to expect at a winery, this visit offers genuine insight into the region’s artisanal production, far from commercialized wine tours.

Lunch in a Beaujolais Bistrot

After a morning of sightseeing and tasting, you’ll enjoy a lunch break in a typical Beaujolais bistrot. Menus start from around €20, featuring regional dishes that reflect the area’s gastronomy. The guide helps translate and explain each course, enriching the experience and helping you appreciate local flavors like cheese, charcuterie, or classic regional stews.

Reviewers note that the meal is “delicious,” and it’s an excellent way to soak in local culture while recharging for the afternoon. Remember, lunch is not included in the tour price but is well worth budgeting for, especially if you want a true taste of regional cuisine.

Pérouges Medieval Town

Post-lunch, the tour heads to Pérouges, often described as a “time capsule” from the Middle Ages. The drive takes about 45 minutes, but the scenery is so picturesque that it feels quick. Once there, you’ll wander cobblestone streets lined with houses from the 13th to 16th centuries. Reviewers mention how this setting is perfect for those who love history, architecture, or film.

This town has been used as a filming location for movies like The Three Musketeers, adding a cinematic vibe to your visit. You’ll have about 30 minutes of free time for exploring shops, sampling the local “galette” (a regional pancake), or simply soaking in the atmosphere. The quiet streets and well-preserved buildings make this a favorite among travelers.

Return to Lyon

After a leisurely afternoon, the group boards the minivan for a scenic drive back to Lyon, arriving around 5:15 pm. The relaxed pace and comfortable transportation mean you’ll arrive feeling satisfied but not exhausted—ready to continue your Lyon adventures or unwind after a full day of exploration.

What Does the Tour Offer in Terms of Value?

Pricing at approximately $161 per person strikes a balance between quality and affordability. You receive transportation, expert guide service, multiple wine tastings, and access to two memorable villages. The small group size enhances the overall experience, avoiding the bus-rush and allowing personalized attention. Since wine tastings are included—covering 4-5 wines—you get a true taste of the region without extra cost, making it a good value for wine aficionados.

The tour’s design emphasizes authenticity: visiting family-run wineries and charming villages where few travelers venture. This isn’t a tourist trap; it’s a genuine peek into regional life. Plus, the flexibility of free time in Pérouges and Oingt means you can explore at your own pace.

Practical Considerations

While the tour does not include lunch, it offers a range of options nearby, with menus from €17. This is a fair price for regional cuisine and makes the overall experience accessible for most travelers. The meeting point is centrally located, and the vehicle is modern and comfortable, crucial for the scenic drive through rolling hills and historic towns.

What We Loved Based on Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlight knowledgeable guides and the personal touch they bring. One reviewer mentioned that the guide, Olivier, was “very attentive,” adjusting wine tastings to accommodate preferences. Others appreciated the stunning views of the landscape and the delicious, authentic food at lunch. The small group size, as one reviewer put it, meant “more backroads and small towns than a large tour,” adding to the tour’s exclusive feel.

On the downside, some mentioned the short duration—but that’s a trade-off for a manageable, leisurely day rather than an exhaustive, all-day marathon. The midday lunch, while delicious, is at a local bistrot, so if you prefer fine dining or dietary restrictions, planning ahead might be necessary.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Beaujolais in a relaxed setting, history lovers wanting to explore authentic medieval towns, and travelers seeking a personalized, small-group outing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, culture, and tasting quality regional wines without the chaos of large groups.

It’s ideal for visitors staying in Lyon who want a comprehensive day trip that combines cultural sights, scenic landscapes, and authentic local flavors. If you prefer a structured tour with expert guidance and the chance to sample some of France’s best wines, this will meet your expectations.

Final Thoughts

This small-group tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic beauty, cultural richness, and wine tasting. With a maximum of eight travelers, it promises intimacy, flexibility, and genuine insights. The visit to a family winery adds authenticity, and the charming villages of Oingt and Pérouges provide picturesque, photo-worthy moments.

While the tour is priced reasonably, travelers should budget for lunch and optional purchases. The guide’s depth of knowledge and friendly approach ensure a memorable journey, especially if you love discovering off-the-beaten-path gems.

This tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting a taste of authentic French countryside, history, and wine—without the crowds or commercialized feel.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes. The tour provides round-trip transportation from Lyon in a high-comfort 8-seaters minivan with air conditioning.

What is the group size?
A maximum of eight travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Guests should budget from around €17 for a regional meal at a local bistrot, with the guide happy to help translate and explain menu options.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including travel time, sightseeing, wine tastings, and free exploration.

Are the wine tastings included?
Yes. You will taste 4 to 5 wines at a family winery, which includes white, rosé, and red wines.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The tour is typically booked around 114 days ahead, reflecting its popularity, especially in peak seasons.

Can children participate?
While most travelers can participate, the tour is geared toward adults interested in wine and culture. Check with the provider if traveling with children.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most of the stops involve walking on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, money for lunch or souvenirs, and an appetite for discovering regional wines and cuisine.

This detailed review should give you all the info you need to decide if a day exploring Beaujolais and Pérouges fits into your Lyon itinerary. Whether you’re a wine lover, history enthusiast, or simply after a relaxing scenic escape, this tour offers genuine value in a small-group setting.